VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Vicksburg District entered into a Planning Assistance to States (PAS) agreement with the City of Clinton, Miss., Feb. 28 as part of the Water Resources Development Act (Section 22). The project will include a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of four watersheds within the city. The study will help Clinton with any existing drainage issues as well as its future planning and development. The cost share agreements will be 50% federally funded and 50% non-federal. Section 22 provides vision for addressing water resources challenges with developing, utilizing and conserving water and related resources. The USACE Vicksburg encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. (USACE 02/28/23)
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
STE exploring av trng academy
PENSACOLA, Fla. - ST Engineering announced on Feb. 28 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pensacola State College to explore setting up an Aviation Training Academy in Pensacola. The collaboration is part of ST Engineering’s continued growth and expansion plans in Pensacola, where it is developing an airframe Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) complex that comprises four large state-of-the-art hangars at Pensacola International Airport when completed. The MOU was signed today at the official opening of the airframe MRO complex’s second hangar. Pensacola State College is the oldest and biggest college in NW Florida. Under the MOU, ST Engineering and PSC will collaborate to develop a Federal Aviation Administration Part 147 Aircraft Maintenance Technician School at the Pensacola International Airport. The plan to develop an aviation training academy comes at a time when global air travel is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and skilled aviation maintenance professionals are in high demand. Targeting to roll out training in 2024, the academy will help support the needs of ST Engineering’s airframe MRO complex. (ST Engineering 02/28/23) News - ST Engineering and Pensacola State College Sign MOU to Explore Setting Up an Aviation Training Academy in Pensacola (stengg.com)
Regional Note: ST Engineering also operates a subsidiary based in Pascagoula, Miss.
Hornbeck to acquire 6 OSVs
Major Michoud campus expansion
Regional economic development officials announced an extensive expansion to the campus of NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. On Feb. 28, ground was broken on the new 50-acre industrial and office park. It'll be called Propel Park and include nearly 1M-sf of warehouse/office space. It represents the first new industrial development in Orleans Parish in more than 20 years. Houston-based IRG is developing the park. IRG has also secured its first tenant - Slidell-based Textron Systems, which has a facility at the Michoud but will be relocating and comprising nearly 33% of the new park’s nearly 300,000-sf first phase. “(T)his project will provide a safe, secure and efficient location to conduct our material logistics operations,” said Ryan Schaffernocker, VP for Sea Systems at Textron. “This project will serve as an excellent complement to our shipyard operations.” (NOLA.com 02/28/23) Industrial park coming to NASA facility in New Orleans East | Business News | nola.com
$56.7M for MS site developments
JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Tate Reeves announced that Mississippi is investing more than $56.7M in site development projects across the state. Site development grant funds made available through the Mississippi Development Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission are assisting local economic development entities in their efforts to spur economic growth by attracting new industry to competitive, shovel-ready sites. “(W)e need to invest in our state’s roads and increase the number of project-ready sites across Mississippi” to give the Magnolia State the "competitive advantage ..." MDA recently awarded a total of $1,988,988 through its Site Development Grant Program for projects in the Ready and Premier Site categories. (Mighty Mississippi 02/27/23) Mississippi investing more than $56.7 million in site development | Mighty Mississippi
Nearly $1B more for airports
Amidst surging air tr Amidst surging air travel demand, the Biden-Harris Administration announced nearly $1B in infrastructure law that will fund 99 airports across the 47 states. The funding's goal is to help airports create larger security checkpoints, reliable and quicker baggage systems, better roadways, and multi-modal connections. The funds are planned to go to all size airports.
REGIONALLY
* George M. Bryan Airport in Starkville, Miss. ($4.5M to fund a portion of a project to construct a new 9,850-sf passenger terminal and associated utilities for charter and business passengers.)
* Louis Armstrong airport in New Orleans/Kenner, La. ($8M to fund a portion of the site preparation work and construction of a road between the north terminal and south campus parking and rental car facilities.)
* Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles, La. ($500,000 for replacement of the exterior metal panel rain screen on the ATCT and create resiliency as well as mitigate hazardous conditions resulting from the damaged screen, including electrical risks and environmental hazards.
* H.L. 'Sonny' Callahan Airport in Fairhope, Ala. ($2M to fund a portion of a project for the design and construction of a 4,148-sf general aviation terminal and site development on the eastside of the airfield.
These grants are in addition to the $1B granted for terminal improvements at 85 airports across the U.S. (Simple Flying 02/28/23) FAA Awards Nearly $1 Billion To 99 Airports (simpleflying.com)
Monday, February 27, 2023
Regional defense contracts 02/27
R.C. Construction Co., Inc., Greenwood, Mississippi (N62473-23-D-1410), A&R Pacific Garney Federal JV,* Tamuning, Guam (N62473-23-D-1401); Baldi Bros Inc.,* Beaumont, California (N62473-23-D-1402); Barnard Construction Company Inc., Bozeman, Montana (N62473-23-D-1403); BCSS LLC,* Carrollton, Georgia (N62473-23-D-1404); CJW Construction Inc.,* Santa Ana, California (N62473-23-D-1405); Flatiron West Inc., San Diego, California (N62473-23-D-1406); Heffler Contracting Group,* El Cajon, California (N62473-23-D-1407); Reyes Construction Inc., Pomona, California (N62473-23-D-1408); and RQ-Orion JV, Carlsbad, California (N62473-23-D-1409) are awarded a combined $1,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for new construction, renovation and repair of various heavy horizontal and civil engineering construction projects at various government installations located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Sample work includes, but is not limited to outdoor shooting or combat training ranges and terrains; canals, channels, dams, or embankments; erosion control or storm drainage retention and detention basins; earthwork and grading; landfills; ammunition magazines; irrigation, landscaping, and recreational fields and parks; and tunneling and horizontal direction drilling. Each awardee will be awarded $5,000 (minimum contract guarantee per awardee) at contract award. These contracts include options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $1,000,000,000 over an eight-year period to the 10 vendors combined. Work will be performed in the states of California (87%), Arizona (5%), Nevada (3%), Utah (2%), Colorado (2%), and New Mexico (1%), and is expected to be completed by February 2031. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $50,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be made available at the delivery order level as contracting actions occur. This contract was competitively procured via the Sam.gov contract opportunities website, with 24 offers received. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
* Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $14,586,300 firm-fixed-price contact with reimbursable elements for an extended-term charter of one U.S. flagged offshore support ship, HOS Red Dawn, that will provide support for Navy operations at sea. This contract includes a 12-month base period with three 12-month option periods and one 11-month option period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $68,479,800. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed if all options are exercised, by May 5, 2028. Operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,586,300 are obligated for fiscal 2023 and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the System Award Management website and one offer was received. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220523C2507). (Awarded Feb. 23, 2023) (DoD 02/27/23)
Vertex mechanic/admin jobs
Cba Aircraft Mechanic for T-45 Program at Vertex Aerospace in Meridian Miss. Cba Aircraft Mechanic T 45 Program Ms job at Vertex Aerospace in Meridian Mississippi (avjobs.com)
Accounts Receivable Specialist at Vertex Aerospace in Madison, Miss. Administration job at Vertex Aerospace - Accounts Receivable Specialist - Madison, MS (jsfirm.com)
USNCC accepting apps for degree
QUANTICO, Va. - The U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC) started accepting applications Feb. 27 for its Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance program. USNCC worked with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide a naval-relevant degree program focused on those who maintain aircraft for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The degree includes the Naval Studies Certificate, a 5-course, 15-credit program based on naval sciences courses taught at the Naval Academy and NROTC programs. The 15 credits are applied to the associate degree programs and count towards the required courses for the degree. The courses include Naval Ethics and Leadership; Modern Naval History; Naval Force Design and Concepts; Civilian and Military Organization, Policies, and American Government; and the certificate capstone course Introduction to Geopolitics. The degree is completed completely online and has an established pathway to a 4-year degree in Aviation Maintenance or Aeronautics with little to no loss of credit. Active duty enlisted Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Coast Guard Reservists can fill out an application on the USNCC website, www.usncc.edu. The first courses will start in May. (Navy 02/27/23) US Naval Community College Begins Accepting Applications for Aviation Maintenance > United States Navy > News-Stories
Weeks Marine earns Signal awards
Signal Mutual, the largest group insurer of Longshore and Harbor Worker benefits in the nation, annually recognizes a select few members that demonstrate superior safety culture and performance. Weeks Marine - with a shipyard, repair facility and other office locations in Louisiana - received three awards that underscore its commitment to safety. Matt Hicks, Construction Division HSE Manager, was named a Safety Professional of the Year for 2021-22. Hicks earned this award by setting high safety standards and making significant contributions to the organization through the implementation of safety culture and a Safety Management System. At the organizational level, Weeks received the Industry Safety Leadership Award due to its strong safety performance, which included no fatalities in the last three years, among other key factors. Weeks also won the Safety Excellence Award - Signal’s highest honor - in recognition that it exemplifies the promotion of employee safety/health throughout the organization. “It’s no secret there are hazards in our line of work, but I see first-hand the level of commitment to safety our team brings,” said Chris Hynes, COO at Weeks Marine. “Safety is at the forefront" of what the company does, he said. (Weeks Marine 02/27/23) Weeks Marine Receives Three Signal Mutual Safety Awards for 2021-2022 - Weeks Marine
Sims: More back-to-back hurricanes
What used to be a rare one-two punch of back-to-back hurricanes hitting around the same located in the U.S. weeks apart seems to be happening more often, according to a Princeton University study that says climate change will make dual storms more frequent in the future. Using computer simulations (sims), Princeton scientists calculated that the deadly storm duo that used to happen every few decades could happen every two or three years as the world warms, according to that study published in Nature Climate Change. Louisiana and Florida residents have already felt it. In 2021, major Hurricane Ida blasted Louisiana with 150 mph winds. Fifteen 15 days later a weaker Nicholas came nearby, to add to the problems, says study co-author Ning Lin, a risk engineer and climate scientist. The study looked at storms and the problems of back-to-back hurricanes on people. Louisiana was hit in 2020 by five hurricanes or tropical storms with the strongest packing 150-mph winds. In 2004, Florida had four hurricanes in six weeks, prompting the NOAA to take note of a new nickname for the Sunshine State - “The Plywood State,” from all the boarded-up homes. “We found a trend,” Lin said. "They’re happening more often now than before." But there’s a caveat to that trend. There haven’t been enough hurricanes and tropical storms since 1950 for a statistically significant trend, Lin said, but her team added computer simulations to see if they could establish such a trend and they did. The team looked at nine U.S. storm-prone areas and found an increase in storm hazards for seven since 1949. Only Charleston, S.C., and Pensacola, Fla., didn’t see hazards increase. Using a worst-case scenario of increasing carbon dioxide emissions and a more moderate scenario both situations - the frequency of back-to-back storms - increased dramatically from current expectations. The reason is based on storms getting wetter and stronger from climate change and rising seas. However, studies are split on whether climate change means more or fewer storms overall. (The AP 02/26/23) Study: Back-to-back hurricanes likely to come more often (wlox.com)
Reversing course on Mom Medicaid
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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has reversed course on Medicaid postpartum coverage for mothers. In a tweet Feb. 26, Reeves said lawmakers should pass a law continuing coverage to 12 months - from currently 60 days - after birth and that he would sign the legislation. Reeves had been unwilling to offer support to the measure until he saw data showing how it helped new mothers. Speaker of the House Philip Gunn does not support the coverage extension. The State Senate has already passed a bill that would extend Medicaid postpartum coverage. Some argue no legislation is needed since Reeves could sign an order extending coverage as the head of the state’s Division of Medicaid. (WCBI 02/26/23)
Eye oinment & infant formula recall
Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling Batch No. H29 of Artificial Eye Ointment, distributed by Delsam Pharma to the consumer level, due to possible microbial contamination. Additionally, some product packaging is leaking or may otherwise be compromised. Use of contaminated eye ointment may cause adverse events, including infection that could lead to blindness. To date, Global Pharma Healthcare has not received any reports of adverse events related to this product. Artificial Eye Ointment (mineral oil 15%, white petrolatum 83%, 3.5 grams / 1/8 oz.) is used as an eye lubricant and to relieve dryness of the eyes. The affected product is packaged in a white aluminum tube within a paper carton. The product can be identified by the photos provided below. The product was distributed nationwide in the United States, and by Delsam through internet retail sites. Delsam Pharma's NDC for this product is 72570-122-35, and its UPC code is 3 72570 012235 3. Global Pharma Healthcare is notifying the brand owner and importer of this product, Delsam Pharma, about this recall, and is requesting that wholesalers, retailers, and customers who have the recalled product should stop any use and discard the product safely. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the distributor Delsam Pharma by phone at 1-866-826-1306. Eye drops, possible microbial contamination (emergencyemail.org)
INFANT FORMULA: Reckitt, a producer of nutrition products, announced Feb. 20 that, out of caution, it has chosen to voluntarily recall two select batches of ProSobee 12.9 oz. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possibility of cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. All product distributed went through extensive testing and tested negative for the bacteria. ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. The batches in question can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ both with a UPC Code of 300871214415 and a "Use By Date" of "1 Mar 2024." The recall involves approximately 145,000 cans. No other ProSobee infant formula batches or other Reckitt products are impacted. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their pediatrician or contact us at 1-800-479-0551 24/7 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com. (Emergency E-Mail & Wireless Network (02/24/23) RECALL: Infant Formula, health risk (emergencyemail.org)
Ex-AETC head joins LXH board
Retired Air Force 4-star general , who once headed the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), has joined the board of directors of (LHX), the company announced Feb. 24. LHX looks to leverage Rice’s 35-year military and national security background in developing products to address existing and future threats, according to a media release. Rice led command units in Japan, including U.S. Forces Japan and Pacific Air Forces, where he was vice commander. He also commanded the 13th Air Force, which was last headquartered in Hawaii. (LHX 02/24/23)
Regional Note: AETC has units in Mississippi at Columbus and Keesler AFBs; Maxwell AFB, Ala.; and Eglin AFB, Fla.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Admin support job @ MDA
Admin Support Assistant III @ Mississippi Development Association in Hinds County. Miss. Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
40% incumbents w/ no opposition
NEWS ANALYSIS
Nearly 40% of Mississippi legislators (69 of 174) won't have opposition this election cycle or until 2027. They can cast whatever vote they want to through the current session knowing they won't face any electoral consequences for those votes. For decades, the qualifying deadline for state/local candidates to file has been March 1. Party primary elections are in August and general election in November. Despite those late dates, the Mississippi Legislature set qualifying deadlines for Feb. 1 forcing people to make early decisions to be on the ballot against an incumbent. The reason for the early deadline is clear: Let legislators know learn about potential opponents and giving them time to take re-election friendly actions. Also, the early deadline could give incumbents financial advantage to raise campaign contributions. The result is that for more than half of the final session before the 2023 elections, 46 House members in the 122-seat chamber and 23 senators in the 52-member chamber have known they would have no opposition this election cycle. (Mississippi Today News Analysis 02/26/23) Early qualifying deadline gives many legislators free path this session - Mississippi Today
Scouting for space merit badges
BILOXI, Miss. -South Mississippi Scouts spent the weekend earning Space Exploration Merit Badge(s), learning Newton’s laws of motion and building model rockets here at Camp Wilkes. While learning about building rockets, Scouts - both boys and girls - were introduced to a possible profession. “Part of the curriculum includes a study of careers and possible avenues they may go as adults,” Scout Master Thomas Carroll told WLOX. The Scout Masters have talked with the kids about "what kind of jobs can you do in the aerospace industry.” said Scout Master Tim Willis. Being able to expose the young people to these sorts of things is a "great thing scouting does.” The experience gave Scouts a better understanding of science. But for scout masters, it gave was a chance to impact lives. On March 25, scouts will have the chance to learn new things like cooking, survival and camping skills at Camp Wilkes. (WLOX 02/25/23) Scouts across South Mississippi build model rockets for Space Exploration Merit badge (wlox.com)
Senate cmte kicks back at HB 1020
A heavily modified version of one of the most contentious bills (HB 1020) from the current Mississippi legislative session passed a Senate committee on Feb 23. The Senate Judiciary Committee entirely removed the creation of a new unelected court system within the Capitol Complex Improvement District, instead giving support for and involvement within the existing Hinds County court system. Some members of the Jackson delegation indicated it'd be the lesser of two evils. Sen. John Horhn said it removed some "onerous" aspects, while Rep. Ronnie Crudup said the changes appeared to move the bill in a positive direction, though there were still concerns. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who had said HB 1020 "reminds me of apartheid" released a statement that he remains opposed to both versions. The Senate version, he said in the statement, "still exists as an attack against Black leadership." (Clarion Ledger 02/25/23) Jackson, Mississippi courts bill passes Senate committee after changes (clarionledger.com)
La. top sugar-producing state
The Louisiana sugar cane industry produced more than 2M tons of raw sugar for the first time ever in 2022 and is now the top sugar-producing state in America. Jim Simon, director of the American Sugar Cane League, says more than 17.1M tons of cane were ground at Louisiana mills to produce 2.05M tons of raw sugar. Three of the state's 11 sugar mills ground more than 2M tons of cane each. Sugar cane acreage has steadily increased by 102,000 acres since 2015. The ASCL also installed a new slate of officers and directors. Bryan Simon of Abbeville was elected president; David Thibodeaux of Jeanerette was chosen VP. Gary Gravois of Napoleonville named secretary and Ben LeBlanc of Thibodaux will be treasurer. Wallace “Dickie” Ellender of Bourg was honored with the President’s Award for his 20-plus years of service to the organization and a lifetime of service to the industry.
SCORE-BR to host start-up seminar
The Baton Rouge Area SCORE non-profit group will hold a virtual seminar on basic finances for business startups Feb. 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event covers such topics as critical record keeping, income and expense projections, cash flow analysis and federal tax issues. SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer expert business mentors that helps small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals since 1964. To register, go to score.org/batonrougearea.
LSU event aims to get vets into law school
The LSU Law Veteran Advocacy Club will host a free event from on March 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the McKernan Auditorium of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. The event's aim is to help service members get into law school. The "Veterans in the Legal Field" event will cover such issues as resources available to veterans and their families; U.S. Army JAG Corps; how best to apply military skills in the legal field; and leveraging military experience in the job market. To register, go to law.lsu.edu/forms/veterans.
Venture LNG pacts w/ China firm
Venture Global LNG has signed a pair of 20-year liquefied natural gas supply deals with a Chinese gas company, its sixth announcement of a contract with China Gas Hongda Energy Trading Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of China Gas Holdings Limited. The latest agreement calls for Venture Global to supply 2M metric tons a year to the Chinese company. China Gas is one of the largest natural gas pipeline and transportation companies in that country. One million will come from Venture Global’s Plaquemines (Parish, La.) LNG facility. The remainder will ship from the company’s CP2 LNG terminal in Cameron Parish. Plaquemines LNG has been under construction since August 2021 and is expected to come online in 2024. Construction at CP2 LNG, which will sit next to the company’s existing Calcasieu Pass LNG terminal, is expected to start this year. (NOLA.com 02/24/23) Venture Global, with HQ in Virginia, has four projects on-going in Louisiana - developing LNG terminals south of Lake Charles and in Plaquemines Parish; plus a natural gas liquefaction facility in Plaquemines Parish and are proposing to operate a CP2 LNG terminal on about 546 acres in Cameron Parish. Venture Global LNG signs new deals with China Gas | Business News | nola.com
Saturday, February 25, 2023
First Black elected to US Senate
ON THIS DATE - FEBRUARY 25: Two days after Mississippi was readmitted to the Union, Hiram Revels became the first Black American elected to the U.S. Senate from the Magnolia State. "All men are created equal, says the great Declaration,” Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts said, “and now... we make the Declaration a reality." Born free in North Carolina, Revels became a national force in an office (in the Senate) once held by Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederacy. A minister by trade, he was arrested in 1854 for preaching to the Black community. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he helped recruit two black regiments from Maryland and later served as chaplain for Black soldiers fighting in Mississippi. After the war ended, his family settled in Natchez, Miss., where he was elected as an alderman and later as a state senate. While in the U.S. Senate, he supported universal amnesty for former Confederate soldiers. (Mississippi Today 02/25/23) Hiram Revels first Black U.S. senator in 1870 - Mississippi Today
Pascagoula port director to retire
PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Port of Pascagoula Director Mark McAndrews is retiring June 30 after 22 years on the job. The port has grown significantly in that timeframe. For more than 40 years he's been in the maritime career and service industry and has served as board chair of the American Association of Port Authorities. “We’ve executed the strategic plan that exists today,” McAndrews told WLOX. "So, it’s time for a new one ... (a)nd a good time to have new eyes and new ideas" into the organization. Among the biggest projects under his reign is landing the Enviva wood pellet manufacturing company as a tenant, according to Charles Person, a member of the port board of directors. The Jackson County Port Authority has interviewed seven potential candidates. Persons says a decision could come within 30 days. (WLOX 02/24/23)
LSU first to offer carbon capture
LSU announced in January that it had become the first university in the U.S. to offer a formal concentration in carbon capture, utilization and storage - a technology lauded by state and industry leaders despite controversy on the public's eye - through its petroleum engineering department. Carbon capture and sequestration is a process in which carbon output from a plant is captured, compressed and sent via pipeline deep underground to be stored, rather than emitted into the air. The technology has grown in popularity since Congress approved $3.5B to support carbon capture and sequestration projects in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Louisiana has become a hotbed for these projects due to geological conditions and pre-existing industrial infrastructure and expertise, according to Karsten Thompson, chair of the LSU Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering. “This is an emerging field that we believe is going to be really big,” Thompson said. In LSU’s concentration, students can take classes in underground geological storage, natural gas engineering and geophysics in addition to the typical curriculum, like drilling technology and reservoir simulation. Thompson explained that many of the skills learned in the department transfer easily over to carbon capture projects. (NOLA.come 02/25/23) LSU offers first carbon capture concentration in U.S. | Education | nola.com
Friday, February 24, 2023
AHI has aircraft tech openings
Regional aerospace/aviation positions being sought.
* Aircraft Technician B (Flight Line): Will assist in performing work on assigned aircraft on the flight line and associated areas. Airbus Helicopters Inc. Columbus, Miss. Aircraft Technician B (Flight Line) - Columbus, MS - Airbus Helicopters, Inc Jobs (applicantpro.com)
* Senior Aircraft Technician - Sheetmetal: Perform detailed sheetmetal modifications and repairs on multiple airframes or parts as assigned by the lead technician. This position is a temporary (contract) position with no specific time period but could be extended or shortened as needed. Airbus Helicopters Inc., Columbus, Miss. Sr. Aircraft Technician - Sheetmetal (Contract) - Columbus, MS - Airbus Helicopters, Inc Jobs (applicantpro.com)
Apply for the next Hackathon
WASHINGTON - The Air Force will conduct the next “BRAVO” hackathon March 20-24 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. A hackathon is an innovation event employed by tech companies where teams develop prototypes in response to enterprise challenges associated with data. Any American citizen may apply here. Attendees are not required to hold a security clearance. However, certain spaces, cases and datasets may require a secret security clearance. Across previous hackathons, the service has "honed methods to build and fight with classified and protected data of increasingly larger size and varied origin,” said Stuart Wagner, chief digital transformation officer for the Air Force. In January 2022, the AF BRAVO 0, its first classified innovation hackathon at Nellis AFB, Nevada. BRAVO 1 Canary Release grew the effort in July 2022, the department's second hackathon was held simultaneously at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; Patrick Space Force Base, Fla.; and Eglin AFB, Fla., with about 300 hackers. The BRAVO hackathon series is named after “Project B,” a 1921 series of joint Army-Navy target exercises based on Army Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell’s then-controversial claim that bombers could sink battleships. (Air Force 02/24/23) Department of the Air Force to conduct hackathon > United States Space Force > News
EPA's 2nd wave of H2O funding
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $2.4B from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and water bodies across the nation. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.
Regional states: Alabama is to get $17,767,000; Mississippi $14,315,000; and Louisiana $17,467,000.
The announcement is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Administration’s commitment to invest in America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/
EPF 14 set for christening @ Austal
The Navy will christen its Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport, the future USNS Cody (EPF 14) at a 10 a.m. (CT) ceremony Feb. 25 at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Matt Hall, mayor of Cody, Wyo., will deliver the ceremonial principal address. Ship's sponsor Averil Spencer will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Spencer is the daughter of the Honorable Richard V. Spencer, 76th Secretary of the Navy. “This ship is the first to honor the city of Cody, Wyo. The future USNS Cody will also be the first Flight II configuration in its class and is set to join the fleet as one of nearly 100 Navy ships operating globally. The Military Sealift Command will operate the future USNS Cody. EPFs, formerly Joint High Speed Vessels, are all-aluminum catamarans that provide speed and shallow-draft transportation capabilities. Flight II ships will enhance the medical mission capability of the EPF’s mission. (Navy 02/24/23)
2nd solar project for Lucedale
ROCKY CREEK, Miss. - Pine Gate Renewal is bringing a second solar energy project to Lucedale in George County. The $115M Sunflower Solar Project investment will generate enough power for more than 15,000 homes a year, according to the company and bring 300 construction jobs. Not everyone's onboard with the project in the Rocky Creek. Five solar farms have been built in Mississippi since 2017. Sunflower Solar Project is set to begin in late 2024 to early 2025. (WLOX 02/24/23) Solar farm coming to George County set to generate more than just power (wlox.com)
CG rescues overdue boaters
NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued three overdue boaters on Feb. 22 from a disabled fishing vessel near Breton Sound, La., about 10 miles SSE of New Orleans. The Coast Guard received a report of an overdue 26-foot commercial fishing vessel at 8 p.m. after the boat missed its scheduled arrival at Hopedale Marina. The CG launched a Venice-based Response Boat and crew, a New Orleans-based MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and a Mobile, Ala.-based HC-144 Ocean Sentry to search. The Ocean Sentry aircrew located the disabled vessel adrift in the Breton Sound and directed the boatcrew that embarked the trio aboard and transported them back to Station Venice. All three were last reported to be in stable condition. (Coast Guard 02/23/23)
MS tax relief bills appear dead
JACKSON, Miss. - Tax relief proposals favored by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Republican legislators stalled Feb. 22 and appears dead for the election-year legislative session despite the GOP holding a supermajority in both houses. Even with the backing of Reeves, several proposals failed to gain enough support to come up for a vote in either chamber. Feb. 22 was the deadline for the House/Senate to take first steps toward passing bills dealing with budgets and taxes. If money bills were not voted on before the deadline, they died. Primarily, because a group of lawmakers is concerned about another income tax cut ahead of November's elections. During the 2022 session, legislators enacted a plan to reduce the state income tax over four years, which is scheduled to start this year. In October, Reeves also promised to push for a full elimination. Revenue bills require support from three-fifths of each chamber to pass. Supporters of cutting more income tax have said it would spur economic growth and attract companies to Mississippi. Opponents claim reducing the income tax would mean less money for schools, health care and roads. Mississippi's income tax is the second-largest source of tax revenue, making up nearly 35% of revenue in the general fund. (The AP 02/22/23)
Thursday, February 23, 2023
OpEd: Webb images shouldn't exist
The James Webb Telescope has captured images of ancient galaxies that, under the limited mindset of humans, shouldn’t theoretically exist. International scientists, looking at images taken near the Big Dipper, found six potential galaxies that may have formed 500-to-700 million years after the Big Bang, according to a study published in Nature. By their calculation, the galaxies could contain as many stars as the Milky Way and, theoretically, should not even exist. The discovery is forcing astronomers to completely rethink theories on the cosmos. Could it be that all mankind has hypothesized is not going to stand scrutiny? Astronomy may be headed to go through the same upheavals as did archaeology. (Daily Caller Editorial 0/23/23) The James Webb Telescope Is Seeing Things That Shouldn’t Exist | The Daily Caller
Shelby trained famous WWII unit
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - There’s new archaeological research going on at Camp Shelby that focuses on a famous WWII regiment that trained at the post. The Mississippi National Guard is heading up survey work at the former barracks area of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442 RCT was a segregated unit of Japanese-American soldiers who fought in Europe. The unit was the most decorated, for its size and length of service, in the war. Contractors with maps know where the concrete foundations should be, says Rita McCarty, manager of cultural resources for the MNG. Survey work should be completed in a few months. She's hoping a more extensive excavation can be done in the near future. (WDAM 02/22/23) National Guard conducting new archaeological research on famed WWII regiment (wlox.com)
Background: The unit, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, earned more than 18,000 awards in less than two years in the European Theater, including more than 4,000 Purple Hearts and 4,000 Bronze Star Medals. The unit was awarded eight Presidential Unit Citations (seven between 1944-46). Twenty-one of its members were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2010, Congress approved the granting of the Congressional Gold Medal to the 442nd RCT and associated units. In 2012, all surviving members were made chevaliers of the French Légion d'Honneur for their actions contributing to the liberation of France and their heroic rescue of the Lost Battalion.
La. diversion threat Miss. oysters?
Freshwater from Louisiana's proposed $800M Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion could pose a major threat to Mississippi Sounds oysters and fisheries, according to a study commissioned by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. With diversion waters added to an average of Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain and other Mississippi coast rivers and bayous an 11-year record of salinity levels in western Mississippi Sound, near Bay St. Louis, where oysters are grown, drops to unsafe levels for 50-plus days, says Jerry Wiggert, lead author, and associate director of USM's School of Ocean Science and Engineering. Oysters are generally able to tolerate salinity levels of between 5 and 15 parts per thousand. The peer-reviewed study was based on Louisiana’s original plan for the diversion that called for a maximum flow rate of 75,000 cubic feet/second. In 2021, Louisiana announced it was reducing the maximum flow to 50,000 cfs. Wiggert's team has not looked at that lower rate but expects it could result in as much as 21 days of salinity levels below 4 parts per thousand in the western sound, which would still be a threat to oysters. (NOLA.com 02/23/23) Mississippi Sound oysters at risk from Louisiana plan: study | Business News | nola.com